Mother's Day thoughts: Providing a certain future

In honor of Mother’s Day, May 13, we asked bloggers to share their thoughts on motherhood -- and the importance of caring for children who have experienced the loss of a parent. Every day through Mother’s Day, we will feature a different blogger to remind us to appreciate mothers and care for those who are hurting. Today’s post comes from Nish, who traveled to Bolivia with World Vision on our blogger trip last August.

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It's a hard pill to swallow sometimes -- realizing how privileged I am.

I was raised in a loving and supportive home by two involved and present parents. I never had to work for my food as a child. I always had a (very large and comfortable) roof over my head. I never had to endure the searing pain of losing a parent.

I'm raising my son in an identical life. I birthed him in a state-of-the-art hospital, surrounded by doctors and nurses. He's been perfectly nourished since birth, happily fed and never hungry. I'm there with him every day, to make sure that he's healthy, loved, and cared for on physical, spiritual, and emotional levels.

I am ever-present with my son, and his needs are always met. I think of the man he'll grow up to be -- he'll be able to achieve all of his dreams if he wants, because of his easy access to education, healthcare, and endless resources.

Nobody really knows what the future holds, but I know that my son has a running start at achieving a future that's bright, hopeful, and full of promise.

It's hard to face the stark realities of my life when I read the stories of young children, tragically left alone without parents.

Sona and her grandmother, Veer Kaur, who is Sona's sole porvider. Veer is worried about Sona and fears what will happen to her when she passes away. (Photo: Alyssa Bistonath/World Vision)

Sona is 8 years old. She lives alone with her ailing grandmother. Seven years ago, when Sona was just a baby, her mother died while giving birth to a stillborn son. And only a short time ago, Sona lost her father to tuberculosis.

Orphaned at 8 years old.

Because of her grandmother's health, Sona has to help provide income by working in the fields. Her hands are scratched from picking cotton during harvest time -- which always seems to collide with her exams each year. She's missed 62 days of school this year because of the desperate need for income. For food. For shelter.

She's falling behind at school -- and, according to one of her teachers, "In today's world, education is very important -- especially for girls."

Sona's grandmother, Veer Kaur, is worried. She's worried about what will happen to Sona when she's gone. She's worried about Sona's future. She confesses, "No one is ready to make plans or dream for her, for her future…"

Here's the thing -- the hopeful, incredible, life-changing thing: I bet there is someone who is ready to make plans and dream for Sona, for her future -- and for thousands of children just like her. They simply need to know what to do.

It's that simple. Your sponsorship of a child like Sona will help provide access to basic healthcare, education, and nutrition. The community in which your sponsored child lives will be built up and made sustainable through World Vision's community development model -- a model that really works. (Trust me, I've seen it with my own eyes!)

Sona -- and thousands of children just like her who have lost one or both parents -- are facing an unstable, uncertain future. Sponsorship can provide a future that is certain and stable, even when life seems dire and desperate.

For about $1 a day, you're able to speak a powerful statement of hope to a child: "I have dreams for you. I care for you. I want to provide a future for you." With one click, you can change the course of a child's life for the better.

Consider sponsoring a child who has lost a parent. Your support will help bring life-giving necessities such as nutritious food, clean water, education, and healthcare. You will also have the opportunity to develop a personal, lasting relationship with your sponsored child through cards and letters.

Nish Lives in Utah with her husband and 2-year-old son, Rowan. She blogs regularly on nishhappens.com.